From Dr. Lillpop’s Group – Jacksonville
The group from J’ville had a great day today….as proof, we’re all worn out! It’s hot but the nights cool off pretty well…makes it better to sleep, believe me! The kids helped with children’s church this morning and we went to church…awesome! It’s wonderful to see and hear another culture worship…it’s different but surprisingly familiar. Every time I hear a Haitian choir I’m reminded of what those pure voices sound like.
Our bags came this AM from the airport. We spent 2-3 hours today sorting meds and supplies. This will really help as we start having clinics in the morning on Monday. The mission has truly developed a good clinic that seems to flow and is well stocked…what a blessing to the people in this town with no other medical care available. I’m amazed to hear stories of how local voodoo culture has fought to close this mission…proof that God is working here and His will is being sought and fulfilled.
We had the honor of taking a 20-25 min boat ride to Preskul, a fishing village close to the mouth of the bay. Awesome… a small very close knit village of about 40-50 people who live in a way that meets their needs (barely)but seems shocking to us….we Americans who are used to weather-proofed homes with climate controlled interiors and a grocery store down the road. They have to ride a boat to get fresh water and any supply that they may need. Good for all of us to experience, praying with people from another culture who are surprisingly similar in their need for Christ. We just ate dinner…. I’m full!… and are now going downtown to show a movie in the town square for all of the kids in town. We’re having a great time seeking God’s will for this trip and sharing His “face” with those who have never seen it!
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FROM PVBC….
Bonsoir! This is Elijah here. Today the guys went to breakfast but the girls were nowhere to be found until Cassidy showed up five minutes late. Afterwards the kids started showing up for Children’s Church. We had them take palm leaves and wave them like the Israelites did. It was heart melting to see them singing Hosanna, Hosanna. Hosanna!
Next we gathered them into the pavilion and had them draw what they thought creation, the fall, Jesus, and Heaven would look like. Then we worshiped and danced, some of us acted out Jesus entering Jerusalem and I was the donkey. Though before we knew it Church was over and the orphans returned to their rooms.
After a quick lunch of hotdogs, coleslaw and what seemed like Haitian Runza’s we sorted our luggage that arrived on the truck today and headed to the beach to swim. While we were there we played water volleyball with the interpreters and buried people in the sand. The best part was probably when KJ was being buried and Rosie almost dropped a dead fish in his mouth! Once we left we played with the orphans and rested up for the three hours of truck rides tomorrow. Alright I need to go get some food; that’s all for today. Until Tomorrow!
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Dear Kendall, No more emojis. Love you though. From Tim
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Dear Chase, Thank you so much for being our hands, feet, and voice back in America. We couldn’t do it without you. Hope your leg is getting better. Praying for you. Have a good spring break!!!
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Dear Alexis and Taylor, Ron and Anita and Kim and Tom, we are having such an amazing week so far, but we miss you and love you all to the moon and back! Alexis, we hope you waved your palm branch high and made your bring smile shine in church today. We are sorry we could not be there, but we did get to wave the palm branches here in Haiti with all the kids. We feel so blessed to have the opportunity to teach the beautiful children about Jesus. We took lots of pictures so you can see all the beauty that is here! We hope you all had a great weekend! Love you and miss you! J Love, Ryan and Shannon
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Dear Mother, Father and Miranda, It has been a very eventful week so far and it has made me miss you very much. Along with being able to see all the things that God has put in my life to have me ready for this journey. I thank you very much for supporting me throughout the whole experience! Love you and hope you’re having a wonderful spring break!! Love from V.
P.S. Sorry Miranda for at the airport, hope your hand is okay!!
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Dear Cassidy, Lexie, Nathan, Kaylee, and Ronni: We miss you bunches! We prayed for you guys at homegroups tonight, and hope all of you are doing well. We love all of the pictures of you and the kids (it’s adorable.) We can’t wait to hear all of your wonderful stories when you get back! Stay safe, we love you!
Troy, you need to get in more photos!!!!!! It is awesome to see all the orphans in the team pics though! I’m so jealous I’m not there with you guys, but I hope all of you are making the most of the trip. I’ll be praying for you all as you venture out through the villages this week spreading The Word. Love you guys! (but I love the orphans more)
Hey Cassidy! Oh my gosh, I miss you so much. I know you are doing amazing things and I love seeing the pictures of you with the kiddos. I can’t wait to hear all about it when you get home. You are such a gorgeous, funny, sweet, talented girl and I just know that you are doing amazing things and you are the perfect person to be spending time with & pouring into these kids. I know that not only you are helping the kiddos & adults with their faith & journey but you are also growing your faith every step you take. I definitely believe that this was in God’s plan for you and I’m so happy for you & proud of you for taking this step in your faith journey. 🙂 Just know, I am praying and I can’t wait to hear all about this trip when you get back! I love you more than I have cried about Zayn leaving One Direction… 🙂 <3 Love, Olivia 🙂
Veronica, we miss you too!! We are praying for you and the team. The house is a little quieter without you in it. 😉😉. I can’t wait to hear your stories and see your pictures. You are taking pictures, right?? 📷 I love you my baby doll!!❤️❤️❤️
Dear KJ ~ We’ve been checking for updates throughout the evening. How great it was great to see you enjoying the kiddos. Your smile reminds us of just one of the reasons why this journey has been worth it each and every time! We are so thankful that God has graciously allowed you to be a part of this ministry; do not take these blessings for granted, not for a single moment, not for a single breath. You are in our constant prayers as you will be presenting the Gospel over and over again through the Freedom Drama. Do not tucker, rather be empowered through the Holy Spirit and gain momentum each time you share. As much as we miss you around here, we wouldn’t want you to be anywhere else other than Haiti. Live for HIM..For such a time as this.
We love you so much, oh son of ours! Hugs and squishes and Mama kisses! (wet slobbery kisses!)
<3 Daddy and Mama <3
xo xo
Troy, Kalee, Alisa, and Veronica ~ You are so dear to our hearts. We love you, each of you, something special. Rise up and wholeheartedly accept each challenge that God puts before you. Be a blessing and thus be blessed. We miss you!
Mama Stahl
Jack ~ We will be lifting you up by name before God as you perform your role in the Freedom Drama. Be real with your team/leaders/mama about any oppression that you are facing and allow them to pray over you as needed.
Hi Cassidy! Love the pics you all posted. It looks like you made a new little friend today! Chase is also sending great updates. We’ll be praying for you all to have endurance as you perform the Freedom Drama tomorrow and for God to speak to those who stop to watch and hear. Love and miss you – Mom
As always, it continues to melt my heart to see you all being the hands and feet of Jesus. Praying for you all daily that He will supply your every need.
Love,
Momma Broadway
Nathan -You have been in my thoughts and prayers. You all had a full day yesterday and I ‘m sure you will today, also. I know the kids are enjoying the attention you give them. Glad you are able to enjoy the beach some. Weather is suppose to be pretty nice here today. Love you, grandma
Jack, Nice hair… Lilly will not recognize you! Hope you are ready for the week ahead and you role in the freedom drama.I’ll look forward to see your pictures of the drama. Miss you guys and praying for you!
Elijah – Great to see you in the pictures and enjoying the work of the Lord. It was wonderful to read your rendition of the day and to see the joy in your words. Everyone says to tell you hi and continue to be encouraged and strengthened that you are working thru the Holy Spirit ministering to those wonderful children who need to see the love of God being displayed in glorious acts of kindness, gentleness, patience and grace. Your group was mentioned in service yesterday and we were reminded of the incredible spiritual battle that will be waged this week as all of you spread the Good News of Christ and his love for the people. We have prayed and continue to pray that you are guided and encouraged by the Holy Spirit and protected by the triune God. Be reminded and encouraged that in the face of trials Christ reminds us in his Sermon on the Mount Mat 5:12 “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven..” As all of you go out to perform the Freedom Drama and minister to the people of Haiti this verse came to mind, 1Pe 1:7 “These [trials] have come so that your faith–of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire–may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” We are so excited for you Elijah and the whole team as all of you are performing God’s work as a light in the darkness. We are so proud of you Elijah for acting in faith and obedience to serve the living God and to answer his call of ministry.
Love you buddy! Finish empty! … (Drink lots of water 🙂 and take lots of pictures… lol)
Dad, Mom, Emilee and Isaac
Brian,
You need to get in more pictures! I miss you lots, and I’m so glad you got to see a picture of our new niece, Eleanore. She is absolutely perfect, isn’t she?
I can’t wait to see you on Friday, and I know God is doing amazing things through you!!
Your favorite little sister,
Batchel
We enjoy reading your daily blog. Can’t wait to hear all your stories when you guys get back home! We will have to plan
a trip to Leos. Take care!
Susan, Cierra, and Kendra
Veronica,
Agreeing to send you on mission was such a easy decision months ago, but now that you are there, I have to keep praying that God gives me the strength to trust Him to lead you, as you are living out what Jesus has done in your life. We have not stopped praying for you and the team to stay focused and drink in every second you are there. Allow God to use the strengths you all have been blessed with, to be the visual love of the Father and His Son, This week is so very important as it reflects what obedience looks like, especially when you don’t want to do what needs to be done, “Not my will, but Yours be done”…..(Luke 22:42) Praying you consistently give in to His will this week rather than choose your own. Love others like you are so very good at, and drink plenty of water to stay healthy. Rest will come when you get home….Mom and Miranda are missing you tremendously as am I. You are well loved from back home. Write as many stories down as you have energy to, so that you remember them when you get home to share with us. Love you so very much…..Dad
Hi everyone! Praying constantly for you all and for everything you are doing this week. Don’t let the enemy stand in your way. Be bold and strong in your faith. I know it’s a hard week to be there but don’t let things like rain, exhaustion, and home sickness stand in the way of increasing God’s kingdom! Love you all and praying for you! Love on all the orphans and the Castillos for me!
P.S. Marla- Don’t forget to hug Miss Beth for me! And if you already did, do it again! 🙂
-Mikayla Minnick
Nathan- I’m so glad that you got the opportunity to do this! I miss you and I can’t wait for you to get back and share all your stories.
P.S. the picture of you with the kids on your lap is absolutley adorable!
Love, Lydia Bolin
Dear V,
I hope you are having the time of your life. My note won’t be as goofy as mommy’s or as biblical as daddy’s but I just wanted to remind you that I love you. I want you to have an open mind and love people that need to be loved. You are a beautiful person when you allow yourself to be. I’m bored out of my mind here and I think Rocky misses you more than I do. Stay safe and stay awesome sissy. Love you to the grocery store and back.
Your most favoritest sister,
Miranda.
PS: I now have 3 beautiful scars on my hands. Thanks. Maybe you can see them when you come back.
Glad to hear all and everyone is there and enjoying the experience. Praying for you all and excited to hear from you upon your return. Michelle McCombs, you might want to stay a few extra days. Mike is enjoying his sole parenting learning experience!
So proud of our PV Students and everything they are doing! God bless each of you. We missed you Parker at Home Groups and I am excited to hear all about your experience at the next session. Praying for much rest and health for everyone.
Deanna Harden
So proud of you Kaylee and Grace! I miss you both so much and cant wait to hear about this mission trip! We have all been praying for you and your team and will be praying for safe travels tomorrow. What a blessing each and every one of you are to these people! Lots of love your way and know everyone here at home are praying for each of you on this team. Easter will be a great time to hear about this mission! God bless all of you!
Love,
Your Auntie Kristen
P.S. Your pets have been taken good care of!!